Vem Miller, a Nevada man arrested in southern California en route to a Donald Trump rally, was associated with the far-right Sovereign Citizens movement. Sovereign Citizens are anti-government radicals who believe they are exempt from laws and authority. They often refuse to pay taxes and challenge legal authority in court, but are not organized like other extremist groups. Although Miller was released on bail and posed no threat to Trump, the movement has a history of violence, such as a 2010 incident where two police officers were killed by Sovereign Citizens during a traffic stop.
The Sovereign Citizen movement has grown in recent years, attracting new members during the Trump administration. This growth has been fueled by appealing to anti-vaxxers, QAnon adherents, and MAGA supporters. The movement has also expanded internationally and gained a presence in jails and prisons. Sovereign Citizens are guided by leaders who promote anti-government ideals and legal theories. Despite starting in the late 1970s, the movement continues to thrive across the country.
Law enforcement is concerned about individuals associated with the Sovereign Citizens movement due to their anti-authoritarian views and history of violence. Although they do not align with any political party, their expansion during the Trump era has raised alarm among authorities. The movement’s refusal to adhere to legal authority and belief in being above the law pose a threat to public safety.
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